Amazon Sued for Alleged Systematic Pregnancy Discrimination Against Thousands of Employees
Amazon faces a proposed nationwide class action lawsuit accusing it of systematically discriminating against thousands of pregnant employees. The complaint, filed by four former warehouse employees, alleges that Amazon routinely violates federal and New York worker protection laws. Pregnant workers are denied basic accommodations such as chairs, bathroom and water breaks, and time off for prenatal appointments.
The complaint states that Amazon threatens and regularly fires pregnant employees who miss too much work, and illegally demands medical documentation from those seeking accommodations. This behavior allegedly violates the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and New York labor law.
One plaintiff, Willamina Barclay, said she was hospitalized with a pregnancy-related emergency in June 2025 after suffering severe abdominal pain from lifting heavy objects. Amazon claimed that her hospital visit pushed her over her limit for unpaid time off, and docked her pay because she 'worked partially that day.'
The lawsuit seeks lost pay and benefits, punitive damages, and an injunction against discrimination against pregnant employees. Amazon had no immediate comment on the allegations.